Buckeye Trail Blue Blaze Festival - Half Marathon, 10K, 5K Run, Hike and Backpack
- Date Fri 25th September 2026 - Sat 26th September 2026
- Time 8:00AM EDT
- Location Shawnee, Ohio
- Price $22.20 - $69.90
- Races 5 races
- Distances Half Marathon, 5km, 10 Mile, 10km
Event summary
Get ready for an exhilarating outdoor adventure at the Buckeye Trail Blue Blaze Festival, happening from September 25 to September 26, 2026, in the picturesque Village of Shawnee, Perry County, Ohio! This lively festival is a perfect celebration of the Buckeye Trail and coincides with National Public Lands Day, offering a fantastic opportunity for trail runners, hikers, and backpacking enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.
Participants can choose from various race distances, including a challenging Half Marathon (13.1 miles), a spirited 10K, and a fun-filled 5K run/walk. For those who prefer a slower pace, the festival also features a scenic 10-Mile Hike starting at 8:00 AM, as well as an overnight Backpacking trek. The routes wind through the stunning Wayne National Forest, showcasing the diverse terrain and breathtaking views of this outdoor gem. Join us in Shawnee for a weekend filled with adventure, camaraderie, and the chance to explore Ohio’s natural beauty!
Participants can choose from various race distances, including a challenging Half Marathon (13.1 miles), a spirited 10K, and a fun-filled 5K run/walk. For those who prefer a slower pace, the festival also features a scenic 10-Mile Hike starting at 8:00 AM, as well as an overnight Backpacking trek. The routes wind through the stunning Wayne National Forest, showcasing the diverse terrain and breathtaking views of this outdoor gem. Join us in Shawnee for a weekend filled with adventure, camaraderie, and the chance to explore Ohio’s natural beauty!
Organiser's Description
THE BLUE BLAZE FESTIVAL - RUN, HIKE & BACKPACK ON THE BUCKEYE TRAIL
The BLUE BLAZE FESTIVAL is a celebration of Ohio's Buckeye Trail in conjunction with National Public Lands Day. Whether you are a trail runner, hiker, or would like to learn more about backpacking you are welcome to be a part of our celebration of the Buckeye Trail (BT). Join us for the 2026 Blue Blaze Festival and explore the diversity and beauty of the outdoors. This year we will be joining forces with Destination Shawnee, the Tecumseh Theater and outdoor recreational organizations to bring together runners, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts to the Village of Shawnee. This section of the Buckeye Trail, in the Wayne National Forest, is mostly single-track trail and provides some very challenging terrain. The BLUE BLAZE FESTIVAL will be highlighting the BT as an outdoor destination for running, hiking and backpacking, plus all of the excitement happening in the historic Village of Shawnee.
There is a trail experience and distance right for you: Half Marathon (13.1 miles), 10K, 5K run/walk, 10 Mile Hike and an overnight Backpacking trek. All events are on the Buckeye Trail in the Wayne National Forest.
RUNNING EVENTS - HALF MARATHON, 10K AND 5K
9:00AM Half Marathon and 10K, 9:15AM 5K start.
HIKING THE BUCKEYE TRAIL
The 10-MILE HIKE will start at 8:00am (1 hour before the running events) in Shawnee. All hikers will be given a race bib/number with a timing chip used to monitor when hikers start and finish the hike. The hike is designed and lead by the Little Cities of the Forest Chapter of the BTA, with a number of historical points following the Blue Blazes of the Buckeye Trail. A guide with historical points of interest and the route map will be provided to participants.
The BLUE BLAZE FESTIVAL is a celebration of Ohio's Buckeye Trail in conjunction with National Public Lands Day. Whether you are a trail runner, hiker, or would like to learn more about backpacking you are welcome to be a part of our celebration of the Buckeye Trail (BT). Join us for the 2026 Blue Blaze Festival and explore the diversity and beauty of the outdoors. This year we will be joining forces with Destination Shawnee, the Tecumseh Theater and outdoor recreational organizations to bring together runners, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts to the Village of Shawnee. This section of the Buckeye Trail, in the Wayne National Forest, is mostly single-track trail and provides some very challenging terrain. The BLUE BLAZE FESTIVAL will be highlighting the BT as an outdoor destination for running, hiking and backpacking, plus all of the excitement happening in the historic Village of Shawnee.
There is a trail experience and distance right for you: Half Marathon (13.1 miles), 10K, 5K run/walk, 10 Mile Hike and an overnight Backpacking trek. All events are on the Buckeye Trail in the Wayne National Forest.
RUNNING EVENTS - HALF MARATHON, 10K AND 5K
9:00AM Half Marathon and 10K, 9:15AM 5K start.
HIKING THE BUCKEYE TRAIL
The 10-MILE HIKE will start at 8:00am (1 hour before the running events) in Shawnee. All hikers will be given a race bib/number with a timing chip used to monitor when hikers start and finish the hike. The hike is designed and lead by the Little Cities of the Forest Chapter of the BTA, with a number of historical points following the Blue Blazes of the Buckeye Trail. A guide with historical points of interest and the route map will be provided to participants.
Races
-
Half Marathon
Incl. $3.70 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 26th September 2026 (9:00AM EDT)
$48.70
-
10k
Incl. $2.80 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 26th September 2026 (9:00AM EDT)
$32.80
-
5K Run/Walk
Incl. $2.50 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 26th September 2026 (9:15AM EDT)
$27.50
-
10 Mile Hike
Incl. $2.20 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 26th September 2026 (8:00AM EDT)
$22.20
This will be an out and back hike, using a looped section of the Buckeye Trail, with the start and finish in Shawnee, OH. -
Backpacking Workshop
Incl. $4.90 Fee & T-Shirt
Fri 25th September 2026 (8:00AM EDT)
$69.90
This is a backpacking experience.
Reviews
Done this event?
First-hand event reviews from people who have been there, done that and got the breathable T-shirt, really help everyone choose their next event.
Add a reviewLocation
127B W. Main St., Buckeye Trail Association, Shawnee, 43782, OH, United States
Who's In
See who else is doing this event
Doing
Buckeye Trail Blue Blaze Festival - Half Marathon, 10K, 5K Run, Hike and Backpack
